In the fall, after running a mile here and there, my dad decided he would run a 5k and I would go with him and we would see how I did. Oh boy did I have race day nerves! But if I could run one mile, I could run three, especially since I considered myself quite fast. The start of the race began as I went almost at a sprint. About 200 yards later, I realized I needed to slow down a bit. After what seemed like 2.5 miles and as I was straining for air, I saw a mile marker sign of 1 mile. My heart sank as I thought "this can't be! I am too tired for two more of these". But I continued. I finished my first 5k at 32 minutes to discover I wasn't the fastest, but I also wasn't the slowest. I had an unexplainable euphoria crossing the finish line. I was hooked.
A 5k here and there turned into at least one a month, then 10ks. By the age of 20 I had signed up with a local running group and trained for my first half marathon, in which I beat my personal goal by two minutes with a time of 2:13. I felt euphoric when I stomped my goal with what would still -to this day- be my PR (personal record) for a half. I needed more. Running became therapy to me. A way to deal with my stress, my problems and a great way to have "me" time while creating and sharing a bond with running friends. I had completed a total of 2 half marathons in 2009 at the age of 20, but then experienced burnout. I began to only run 1-3 miles here and there and not take them very seriously, just a way to get some exercise. I no longer competed in 5ks since they lost the fun element and running seemed to turn back into a punishment, but this time for eating unhealthy. I was forcing myself to run just to burn calories and not to enjoy it.
In 2013, I missed running for enjoyment like it was an old friend I had not written to in a while. I started to increase my mileage, but kept hitting the wall since I had no reason to increase it. Then I realized the whole reason I got burntout in the first place. I cannot run if I do not have a goal to reach. So right then and there I set a goal to run the Texas Half in Irving, Texas on February 2, 2014, just 4 days before my 25th birthday. What a better way to celebrate a milestone than rewarding your body and showing it that you still have the drive and staminance?
The morning of the race it was in the high 20's, extremely windy and a chance of snow. I was probably the only one there that was excited about the "great" weather. I love nothing more than a cold run! I did not train as hard for this and did not use a watch while training or racing, but still came within my goal of 2:20...I actually got exactly on it! Mission accomplished, but it seemed too easy. It was very fun, which I enjoyed, but if I can run 13.1 miles with a smile on my face, it wasn't challenging enough. What race could be next that would push my limits? I already had the M-word in my head since early January, but I was afraid to commit and finding the perfect one was a challenge.
Around March 2014 I completely settled on my next goal - the mother of all races: my first Marathon. I would run the 2014 Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon at night. Go big or go home! So here I was, 5 years later and signing up with the same, reliable running group - We Run San Antonio.
Everything started well and I found myself in familiar routines and meet ups, however as the time went on, the South Texas sun grew hotter. Our weekly speed training at a local high school track became torture. I couldn't breathe in the humidity, I was drenched in sweat and the elite five-minute milers inspired me but also made me feel that much slower. My coach, Edgar has always been great at pushing each individual to their limits, while understanding the conditions. The most important thing he has said to me this time around has been that "if you train in extreme elements such as the heat, it will only be easier when you compete in your big race" which made complete sense. I guess I will see come November.
It is July now, and not even the heat of the summer, but it sure feels like it. Some days I long to be in the Southern Hemisphere where they are enjoying their winters while we suffer our long, sidewalk-cracking summers. I still continue to push on. While I am now taking my runs indoors to a treadmill in the evenings, or tackling them before the morning light to save myself from heat stroke, I haven't given up. There are MANY days where I question why I ever thought 26.2 had an element of fun to it and that I could accomplish this. I want to throw in the towel and give up, but I remind myself that it is possible if I stick to my training. I had come this far with running, and I definitely want to cross one crazier thing off my bucket list while I am still young. Plus, the race, hotel and flight to Vegas are all paid for so what would the use be of only using the hotel and flight while watching others compete in what I really wanted to?
While the mental and physical challenges of a marathon aren't even fathomable to me yet, I know I will learn more from veteran runners around me and the books I have been reading. Those challenges are one thing, (not to mention finishing the marathon in five hours or less - the cut-off time is 1 hour sooner than most marathons), I will be faced with the concept of taking it easy for the initial 24 hours leading up to the race in Las Vegas. No heavy drinking, keeping off my feet and remaining relaxed, etc. All of those are a major challenges aside from the marathon itself. But I am strong. I will make it and I will finish in less than five hours. I can do this. I don't have to do it 10 times, I just have to complete this one goal so I can prove to myself that I am stronger than I ever thought imaginable. If I decide that marathons are in fact something fun that I want to continue, then so be it.
After this goal is completed, the next step is to pick another goal - big or small. Eventually I would like to run the Boston Marathon...maybe when I am more seasoned in life, but I do not know. Only time will tell.
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